Hot Spot List Reveals Most Dangerous Places To Live In Scotland According To Electrical Fires

Hot spot list reveals most dangerous places to live in Scotland according to electrical fires

Strict Embargo: 00:01 Wednesday 22nd November 2017

Research by Electrical Safety First reveals areas most at risk of electrical fires as the charity calls on the Scottish Government to take immediate action

Last year, there were more electrical fires per 10,000[i] people in West Dunbartonshire compared to anywhere else in the country, making it the most dangerous place to live in Scotland according to a new list compiled by Electrical Safety First. There was a total of 117 fires caused electricity, representing 13 fires per 10,000 people.

Dundee followed with 175 electrical fires, representing 12 fires per 10,000 people. Inverclyde and Aberdeen are the third and fourth most risky places to live, with around 11 fires per 10,000 people and a total of 91 and 245 fires respectively. Fifth on the ‘hot spot’ list was Glasgow (615) with 10 fires per 10,000 people.

Electrical fires are having a greater impact in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK. In 2016, there were 3,724 electrical fires out of a total of 4,969 domestic fires, resulting in 9 deaths and 598 casualties. This represents 7 fires per 10,000 people living in Scotland. This is considerably higher than in England where Greater Manchester has been identified as the most dangerous place to live, with just over 5 fires per 10,000 people.

Domestic electrical white goods, such as dishwashers, tumble dryers, and fridge freezers are one of the leading causes of electrical fires in Scotland. Last year, 242[ii] fires were caused by white goods, the equivalent of over four fires per week.[iii]

Electrical house fires are being caused by an inconsistency between electrical safety standards in private and social housing – and even more so in relation to owner-occupied homes, misuse of electricity by consumers, faulty appliances and electrical distribution faults. We believe these must be tackled in tandem to make a real impact on the problem.

Electrical Safety First is calling on the Scottish government to take action and come forward with a package of measures that will include:

A target of a 10% reduction in house fires of electrical origin over the next five years.

Five-yearly electrical safety checks to be extended to all social housing - to bring requirements in line with the private rented sector.

Mandatory electrical safety checks in owner-occupied properties – or, as a first step, in owner-occupied flats.

“Faulty white goods, a disparity in electrical safety standards for housing tenures, and misuse of electricity are a toxic mix that is causing hundreds of people to be killed or injured across the country each year. Immediate action is needed by the Scottish Government to reduce this number. If the government fails to implement these changes then it is likely that we will see further tragedies such as those seen at Grenfell Tower, Shepherd’s Court and Lakanal House.”

Electrical Safety First is a UK charity dedicated to reducing and preventing damage, injuries and death caused by electricity. More information can be found at electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Electrical Safety First also has a microsite that advises consumers on white goods safety. People can find expert advice on ways to ensure your white goods are safe, a searchable tool to check if any of your products have been recalled and advice on how to register your appliance. Visit whitegoodsafety.com.

Electrical Safety First recognises that more densely populated cities are likely to result in a higher number of electrical fires, and by focusing on the number per 10,000 people we have been able to identify areas where people are most at risk.

Mandatory five-yearly electrical safety checks for the private rented sector were introduced in Scotland in December 2015. The legislation doesn’t cover those in social housing, or those living in their own homes – despite the fact that they comprise of more than 80% of the total housing mix.

Electrical Safety First’s Hot Spot List*

Council area

Total fires of electrical origin 2016

Electrical fires per 10,000 people

Total fatalities

Total casualties

1) West Dunbartonshire

117

13.06

0

13

2) Dundee City

175

11.81

0

38

3) Inverclyde

91

11.45

1

20

4) Aberdeen City

245

10.64

2

20

5) Glasgow City

615

10.14

0

110

6) Clackmannanshire

51

9.93

0

14

7) East Ayrshire

109

8.93

1

15

8) Renfrewshire

151

8.65

0

15

9) North Ayrshire

116

8.52

0

17

10) Perth & Kinross

117

7.80

0

21

11) North Lanarkshire

232

6.86

1

47

12) Edinburgh City

340

6.82

1

64

13) Argyll & Bute

59

6.79

0

7

14) Stirling

60

6.46

0

4

15) Angus

70

5.99

0

11

16) Midlothian

52

5.95

0

7

17) South Ayrshire

66

5.87

0

9

18) Scottish Borders

64

5.61

0

12

19) Aberdeenshire

138

5.27

0

12

20) East Dunbartonshire

56

5.24

1

15

21) South Lanarkshire

165

5.22

0

27

22) East Renfrewshire

48

5.16

0

4

23) Falkirk

81

5.11

0

21

24) Fife

179

4.86

0

15

25) Dumfries & Galloway

68

4.54

0

7

26) Na h-Eileanan Siar

11

4.06

0

6

27) Moray

38

3.98

0

3

28) Highland

91

3.89

2

29

29) East Lothian

40

3.88

0

6

30) West Lothian

67

3.75

0

8

31) Shetland Islands

8

3.45

0

1

32) Orkney Islands

4

1.85

0

0

* Council areas have been ranked according to the total number of electrical fires per 10,000 people. Population size of each council area obtained from National Records of Scotland, 8.6.17.

Make your home a #SaferHome

Tips for safer white goods:

Buy from a reputable dealer/manufacturer and never buy second hand white goods.